CYCLING: Britain's Archibald retires from track cycling at 32

Three-time Olympic medalist Katie Archibald has announced her retirement from track cycling at the age of 32, British Cycling said on Tuesday.

Archibald, one of Britain’s most successful track cyclists with two Olympic gold medals and one silver, is ending a 13-year international career as she shifts her focus to training as a nurse.

The reigning world and European champion will not compete at July’s Commonwealth Games on home soil, where she was expected to race alongside teammates Lauren Bell and Mark Stewart.

“I love racing my bike. After 13 years competing on the international stage, and a lifetime competing against my big brother, I’ve decided to retire from the former,” Archibald said in a statement.

“The things I’m grateful for across my career are that I’ve gotten to learn so much, see so much, and meet so many incredible people,” she added. “But I also feel confident I’ll keep learning, I’ll keep seeing the world, I’ll keep meeting incredible people. I’m not hoping for a grand legacy, but I hope I’ve made an impact on the individuals I’ve worked with.”

Archibald missed the 2024 Paris Olympics due to an ankle injury.

She joined the British national team at 19 and went on to win 51 medals at major international competitions, including seven world titles and a record 21 European championship golds. -Reporting by Paras J. Haji in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond/Reuters